GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The fourth annual Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give concluded today with a win by Canadian LPGA Professional Brooke M. Henderson and a record donation of more than $1 million to the retailer’s Simply Give program that stocks the shelves of its food pantry partners across the Midwest.
“The Meijer LPGA Classic has an incredible impact on our hungry neighbors, and it’s thanks to the ongoing community support that we met our goal of raising at least $1 million during this year’s tournament,” Meijer President & CEO Rick Keyes said. “We look forward to continuing this tradition again next year.”
The 2018 Meijer LPGA Classic will be held June 11-17 at Blythefield Country Club.
“On behalf of everyone at Meijer, we congratulate Brooke Henderson on a great win at the Meijer LPGA Classic,” said Cathy Cooper, Executive Director of the Meijer LPGA Classic. “Despite a few weather delays, it was a fantastic end to a wonderful week. This year’s tournament was once again fully embraced by the community.”
While final attendance figures are not yet available, representatives said the tournament continued to exceed expectations and will definitely meet the goal of raising at least $1 million for Simply Give.
In total, the four tournaments have generated more than $3.1 million – or 34.1 million meals – for the Meijer Simply Give program.
Meijer started Simply Give in November 2008 and has since generated more than $29 million for its food pantry partners. The contributions donated as a result of the Meijer LPGA Classic are due, in large part, to the generous Meijer customers who attended the tournament week events, and the sponsors who helped make the event a success.
The $1 million donation will be divided among the retailer’s 237 food pantry partners participating in the spring Simply Give campaign, which ended today.
“The Meijer Simply Give program is extremely important to our food pantry because it helps us to provide healthy and nutritious food to our neighbors,” said Waverly Knight, a director of the Northwest Food Pantry. “Without the program, our food pantry shelves would be empty. We thank Meijer for their willingness to have the Simply Give program and the community for their support in helping feed those in need.”
A crowd of enthusiastic fans braved the weather and lined the ropes at Blythefield Country Club June 13-18 to watch a competitive field of 144 world-class golfers play 72 holes of stroke play. Ultimately, Henderson shot 3-under par in the final round to claim the title as Meijer LPGA Classic champion. She won the tournament by two strokes – over Lexi Thompson and Michelle Wie – with a four-round 17-under par total.
Henderson dedicated this tournament to her father, who also happens to be her coach.
“I’ve said this win is for him, but it really is for him because I really wouldn’t have done it without him,” she said. “To have my fourth win is just super exciting, and I’m excited for the summer now. Thank you to Meijer for putting on such a great event, and I’m excited to come back next year to defend my title.”
About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates more than 230 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. A privately-owned and family-operated company since 1934, Meijer has a fundamental philosophy aimed at strengthening the communities it serves and proudly donates more than 6 percent of its net profit each year to charities throughout the Midwest. With hunger as a corporate philanthropic focus, Meijer partners with hundreds of food banks and pantries through its Simply Give and food rescue programs. Meijer also supports education, disaster relief, and health and wellness initiatives. For additional information on Meijer philanthropy, please visit www.meijercommunity.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijerand @twitter.com/MeijerPRor become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
About Blythefield Country Club: Located just north of Grand Rapids, Blythefield has been providing families the best golf and social experience in West Michigan since 1928. With the Rogue River flowing through, Blythefield boasts one of the most beautiful championship layouts in Michigan. Previously, Blythefield has hosted the 1953 Western Amateur, the 1961 Western Open, won by Arnold Palmer, and the 2005 Western Junior won by Rickie Fowler. Beginning in 2014, Blythefield is honored to host the Meijer LPGA Classic. Learn more about Blythefield Country Club at www.blythefieldcc.org.
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